9 Math Careers: From Data Science to Finance

Some of the fastest-growing careers are those involving math. Data science, in particular, has been one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States for the last couple of years. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects growth to continue through 2032 [1]. Many industries need math experts, like accountants and statisticians, to handle legally required financial paperwork or collect essential data to predict company trends and solve problems. 

Explore prominent careers in the math industry and what you need to know to get the job, including educational requirements and salary information. 

Why choose a math career?

If you’re considering a math career, you’ll have the chance to choose from various job titles and employers. Many industries require mathematics, including health care, finance, engineering, academic research, computer science, and many more. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts many careers in math, such as statisticians, actuaries, and data scientists, will grow at a much faster-than-average rate through 2033 [1]. Big data and data analytics are increasing the demand for math professionals and shaping technology and computer science trends.

9 math careers to consider

These jobs for math majors represent industries growing at an average or faster-than-average rate compared to others across the country, indicating opportunities for math majors in various positions, such as:

1. Data scientist

Average annual salary: $116,010 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023-2033): 36 percent [1]

Requirements: While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for this position, employers may prefer candidates with additional experience or a master’s degree.

As a data scientist, you will collect and interpret large data sets. This role is vital for diverse industries, including health care, retail, shipping, education, and more. You will work with machine learning algorithms and data visualization software to collect and analyze data.

Four data scientist interview questions:

• What resources and tools do you have experience with as a data scientist? 

• How has your educational and professional experience prepared you for a career in data science? 

• What is your thought process for developing a research plan?

• What programming languages do you have experience with?

2. Statistician

Average annual salary: $99,981 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023-2033): 11 percent [4]

Requirements: Typically, you will need a master’s degree to become a statistician, although it is possible to find an entry-level statistician job with a bachelor’s degree.

As a statistician, you will use statistical models to understand data and help businesses make predictions and decisions. You will approach a problem by deciding first which data to analyze and then collecting it using tools like surveys, polls, or other experiments. Next, you’ll analyze the data and present your findings to company stakeholders. Although many industries require statisticians, the federal government and scientific research companies are two of the largest employers.  

Sample statistician interview questions:

• In your mind, how does the statistician’s role fit in with the rest of the team?

• What data analysis tools and software do you have prior experience with?

• Please describe a time when you successfully implemented a data collection strategy. 

3. Financial analyst

Average annual salary: $79,331 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023-2033): 9 percent [6]

Requirements: Financial analysts typically earn a bachelor’s degree. Some employers prefer a master's degree for the role. You may also need to become certified as a chartered financial analyst (CFA), depending on the requirements of your state and employer.

As a financial analyst, you help companies understand financial data to maximize profit and succeed with other company goals. Your duties may include evaluating financial data to determine strengths and weaknesses, recommending investments, and preparing financial paperwork. Financial analysts may work for large companies or companies in the financial industry, such as insurance firms, banks, or investment firms. 

Four financial analyst interview questions:

• Describe a time when you were successful in a previous role. 

• What licenses or industry certifications have you earned? 

• Which profitability model do you prefer to use?

• What are your long-term career goals with financial analysis?

4. Software engineer

Average annual salary: $117,031 [7]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022-2032): 25 percent [8]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is the typical requirement for an entry-level software engineer position, though some employers prefer you to have a master’s degree.

As a software engineer, you create software or computer applications. Depending on your role, you could work on the design side to address problems and perspectives of the user, test software to ensure it works properly, or design systems for an application or other software. You often work hand-in-hand with other professionals, such as quality analysts and software designers. 

Four software engineer interview questions:

• Which programming languages are you comfortable using?

• How do you collaborate with others while working in a team?

• How do you explain technical information to stakeholders needing help understanding technological details? 

• Describe a success and a challenge you faced in the last project you were a part of. 

5. Actuary

Average annual salary: $135,161  [9]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023-2033): 22 percent [10]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement to become an actuary. You may also earn two certification levels to advance your career: associate or fellowship from the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or the Society of Actuaries (SOA).  

An associate actuary certification can take four to seven years, while a fellowship certification requires a few more years to complete. Some employers may expect you to pass certification exams before you begin working for them, though you may be able to start working in the field while earning them.  

With a job as an actuary, you use financial data to help companies determine risk and make informed, strategic decisions. You will work primarily on a computer with data. As an actuary, you may help a company write policies, such as insurance policies or pension plans. You also communicate policies and research findings to company stakeholders.  

Four actuary interview questions:

• Why did you decide to become an actuary?

• What is your leadership style, and how do you see your role working within a team?

• How would you respond to an ethical dilemma while working as an actuary?

• Do you hold any professional licenses or certifications? 

6. Marketing analyst

Average annual salary: $75,625 [11]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023-2033): 8 percent [12]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is the general minimum education requirement to become a marketing analyst, although some employers prefer candidates with master’s degrees. 

As a marketing analyst, you use marketing and retail data to track trends, create marketing strategies, and measure the success of marketing campaigns. Marketing analysts may work in various fields, such as retail or health care. Daily tasks and responsibilities for a marketing analyst include gathering consumer data through questionnaires, polls, surveys, focus groups, and other research methods. You then analyze that data to discover how a company can better reach its goals, such as more robust sales.  

Four marketing analyst interview questions:

• How do you approach keeping up with trends in the industry? 

• What experience do you have with predictive artificial intelligence (AI)?

• How would you respond if asked to work with others you disagree with? 

• What is your experience with collecting data from customer behavior?

7. Operations research analyst

Average annual salary: $109,091 [13]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023-2033): 23 percent [14]

Requirements: This position typically requires a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a related field, and some employers may prefer you to have a master’s degree. 

As an operations research analyst, you use statistical models and advanced math to analyze complex corporate problems and present findings to stakeholders. First, you help companies identify areas for improvement and then determine how to collect the data. Then, using statistical models and other methods, such as forecasting and data mining, you analyze the data and present your recommendations. 

Four operations research interview questions:

• How do you approach a new project to begin gathering data?

• What experience do you have presenting findings to a management team?

• How do you respond to individuals who are resistant to change? 

• Describe a time when a team implemented your recommendations with success. 

8. Accountant

Average annual salary: $74,537 [15]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023-2033): 6 percent [16]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is the standard education requirement to become an accountant. Some employers and states prefer more advanced degrees or certifications, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification, which you can obtain from the American Institute of Public Accountants (AICPA).

As an accountant, you oversee and manage a company's finances, including preparing reports, managing compliance, preparing tax returns, and advising on financial matters. In this field, you have several options for the environment you’ll work in. For example, you can work as a government accountant, primarily with government agencies. You could become a management accountant and work for a private corporation. You could also work as a public accountant or a CPA, working independently or for an accounting firm.  

Four accountant interview questions:

• What accounting software have you used in past roles?

• How do you use technology in your work?

• Describe a time when you saved your employer money.

• How would you handle a situation where you suspected a colleague of unethical behavior?

9. Business intelligence analyst

Average annual salary: $100,779 [17]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023-2033): 11 percent [18]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or business is typically the minimum qualification for this position. However, you may also find it helpful to have a master’s degree or an MBA.

As a business intelligence analyst, you will use business intelligence tools to collect real-time and past performance data to help organizations make informed decisions for the future and improve efficiency. One of your primary responsibilities as an analyst is communicating and simplifying complex data so company decision-makers have the necessary information. You will think critically about the company’s overall goals and how you can use data to inform change. 

Read more: What Is Business Intelligence and Why Does It Matter?

Four business intelligence interview questions:

• What processes have you used in the past for data collection?

• What skills do you believe are most important for a business intelligence analyst?

• Why did you choose to enter the field of business intelligence?

• How does this position fit into your long-term career goals? 

Next steps

Math careers may vary from working in finance, mathematics, or marketing. You can expect to earn different salaries and complete various levels of education depending on the math career you choose.

If you can see yourself in any of these math careers, it might be time to take the next step in your education. Start learning new career skills today through courses and certificates on Coursera. For example, you might consider the Introduction to Statistics offered by Stanford to develop your general statistics and learn mathematical fundamentals. Another option to consider is the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate. This course teaches machine learning, big data, data mining, data analysis, and more.